Russian Tanker Advances Toward Cuba, Testing U.S. Oil Blockade

A Russian oil tanker carrying about 730,000 barrels of crude is approaching Cuba’s Matanzas, signaling a push against the U.S. oil blockade and amid Washington’s threats of tariffs. Cuba, already suffering a severe energy crisis with no oil since January, could gain diesel from the cargo—roughly 250,000 barrels after processing, enough to cover around 12.5 days of demand—forcing a decision on whether to prioritize power generation or transportation as fuel shortages continue. Intercepting the vessel at this stage appears unlikely.